The International Altrusa of Martinsville/Henry County, VA is known for its commitment to community service. During the pandemic club members have only been able to meet twice in person; however, club members have stayed busy.
Members participated in the District Two Virtual Conference in June. The club received the following awards: Mamie L. Bass Community Service Award-2nd Place (for service performed in the community); Mary S. Resh Program Planning Award-2nd Place (programs planned for throughout the year); Betty S. Brooks/Letha H. Brown Literacy award-2nd Place ( literacy projects completed by club members); Edith W. Nelson Environmental Award-3rd Place (environmental services to the community by members); Irene Mardis Newsletter-3rd Place (club’s newsletter compiled and submitted each month); Anny Ayer Club Yearbook Award-2nd Place (informational book containing local, district, and international club information); and the Elanore Petersen Membership Growth Award-3rd Place (increase in members). Karen Cecil, club president received the Betty C. Schwartz Presidential Excellence Award.
The Martinsville/Henry County Altrusa Club also received the Distinguished Club Recognition, only one of three clubs in District Two to receive such an honor. The club also received a letter from International Altrusa President Beverly Hardy congratulating our club. There are currently 15 Altrusa Clubs throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The local chapter wrote approximately 560 thank-you notes to members of the Martinsville Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County EMS, Fire Departments, hospital staff members, including COVID-19 workers, hospital emergency room staff and housekeeping staff, and the Henry County Health Department staff. The thank-you notes will be delivered to these departments/agencies in the upcoming week by club members.
Over 100 thank-you cards were also prepared for veterans, thanking them for their service to our country. These cards will be taken to the VA Hospital in Salem, VA, by club members.
Of course, the club also wanted to recognize the poll workers that will be working the voting precincts in the upcoming elections in November. Signs will be delivered to the city and county registrar’s offices in the coming weeks. These signs will state “Altrusa supports the heroes working here,” and will be displayed at all voting precincts in the Martinsville/Henry County on Election Day.
At the September meeting, members also collected dry cereal and peanut butter to be delivered to the Community Storehouse of Martinsville/Henry County.
Deloris East presented “Allie, the Altrusa Angel” to Linda Dorr for her hard work and dedication to the club and to the community.
